Valentine’s Day Appetizers
Of all the times in the year to go overboard, February 14th has to be ranked near the top. You probably have plans for a great meal and a sumptuous dessert, but have you figured out which Valentine’s Day appetizers to serve? Picking out the perfect gift is hard enough, so adding in the ideal starter for a night filled with amazing food adds a whole degree of difficulty. Just like the rest of the evening, you want to give your first bites an air of luxury and decadence – and that means doing some serious research to find the right one for your budget. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Stay light
If you think about it, what you are planning for is just the beginning of a long night dining and spending time together. You’ll want to avoid the temptation to fill up at this point when the main course and a sweet treat are still in the wings. Pick something that will get the juices without slowing down digestion – meaning it’s best to avoid fatty items, if you can. Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, for example, is a great idea because the veggies will be broken down quickly and the meat adds a depth of flavor that will leave you both eager for the next stage in your dining experience. On top of that, they’re easy to make and can be grilled or sautéed in just a few minutes, saving you time for other preparations.
Don’t make a lot – unless you want leftovers
You might know that your sweetheart loves fried scallops and want to serve them as part of the appetizer. That’s great! You’ll be showing him or her how much attention you’ve paid over the course of your relationship and that’s a good thing! However, you are probably also aware how many he or she could eat at a single sitting, which might spoil their appetite for the course to follow. Instead of making a dozen and serving them all at the same time, hold a few back for the next day’s lunch. This will give him or her the opportunity to enjoy your brilliant decision a second time without getting in the way of the rest of your evening.
Stick to your skill level
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, you are a decent cook and you would like to push the envelope for Valentine’s Day. That’s understandable, even welcome – just don’t go overboard. If you are trying to make three courses that would turn celebrity chefs green with envy, you might end up doing too much and everything will suffer. Make one dish extravagant, then keep the others within your range. If you decide to begin with a poached salmon with a red-wine-and-honey-balsamic reduction, then go easy for the meal. Starting with a cheese and artichoke fondue is a bit simpler, so you can back that with a phenomenal steak au poivre with a brandy sauce without expending too much energy. You want to have some pep left for the evening, right?
Get fresh ingredients
It may sound like a no-brainer, but many a Valentine’s Day night has been ruined by food poisoning. Regardless of your intentions, nothing is a showstopper quite like one of you getting sick because the fish is a couple days too old. Better to spend a little extra when you visit the grocer than have one of you spend the evening in the bathroom with an upset stomach.
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